The Australian federal parliament will reconvene ahead of schedule to address new legislation aimed at curbing hate speech and funding a national gun buyback scheme. This decision follows the alleged terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2023. The Albanese government seeks to implement these reforms quickly, despite pushback regarding calls for a royal commission into antisemitism.
Initially scheduled to resume on February 3, 2024, Members of Parliament (MPs) are now expected to return to Canberra before Australia Day to debate Labor’s response to the tragic shooting incident. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized the need for urgent action, signalling a recall for parliament as soon as feasible to address two critical reforms: stronger hate speech laws targeting “hate preachers” and more stringent gun control measures.
New hate speech laws will introduce offenses for leaders who promote violence and establish a framework to identify organizations that engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred. The government also plans to criminalize “serious vilification” based on race and will create a new aggravated offense to target adults attempting to radicalize children. Attorney General Michelle Rowland has underscored the need to address what she termed the “unprecedented radicalisation of our youth,” noting that nearly half of the individuals facing terrorism charges are minors.
In addition to hate speech legislation, the government is set to fund the largest national firearm buyback initiative since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. The costs will be shared equally with states and territories. This buyback is designed to complement new gun control measures that state leaders agree to legislate following an emergency national cabinet meeting after the Bondi attack.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has already taken action, recalling parliament before Christmas to implement laws limiting individuals to four firearms and allowing farmers and sports shooters to possess a maximum of ten. The federal government is urging other states and territories to pass similar legislation by July 1, 2024.
Despite widespread support for tightening gun laws, the initiative faces opposition from gun advocacy groups and the Nationals party, which could hinder the federal Coalition’s backing of any proposed legislation. The Greens have expressed their support for stricter gun regulations, including the buyback, which may provide Labor with sufficient votes in the Senate.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley indicated her willingness to consider the proposed legislation but reiterated that tightening gun laws should not overshadow the push for a royal commission into antisemitism. Ley stated, “We in the Coalition will do everything in our power… to deliver this Commonwealth royal commission,” emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Bondi incident.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged that the calls for a royal commission “come overwhelmingly from a good place,” yet reaffirmed the government’s commitment to immediate reforms, including the new hate speech and gun laws. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to respond to the reviews of intelligence and security agencies and the antisemitism review led by Jillian Segal.
Chalmers declared the government’s focus on taking urgent, significant actions in response to the Bondi tragedy, stating, “What happened at Bondi last month was such a horrifying event, and the urgent and the immediate actions that we are taking are really important when it comes to us learning from and responding to this attack.”
As parliament prepares to resume, the unfolding discussions and decisions will be closely monitored by the public and advocacy groups, all eager to see how the government will navigate these pressing issues.
